A site manager delivering new homes at a development in Otham has received a prestigious housebuilding industry award.

Darrell Wilson has collected his first-ever Seal of Excellence award from the National House-Building Council (NHBC) for his work at Bellway Kent’s Bicknor Wood development, off Gore Court Road.

After taking over the reins at the development in January 2020, Darrell is one of just 14 winners in the NHBC’s South East region to achieve the feat this year, after winning a Quality Award in June.

The Seal of Excellence awards form the latest stage of the NHBC’s Pride in the Job scheme, which rewards site managers across the country for their commitment to delivering high-quality homes.

Darrell said: “I’m really humbled to have won this award and it was a big shock to actually win. It is always nice to know that others can recognise the hard work and effort that everyone puts in to ensuring the job has been done. It’s all about the team, no one man can achieve this.

“I have always wanted a Pride in the Job award, but for me, it is important that the customer is always happy. That is what means most to me. I take a great level of pride in the work, and it is rewarding to stand in front of a customer and to be proud of the home they will live in.

“It has been a big learning curve for me, and it has taught me the importance of hard work, dedication and how much knowledge you need across the industry. I have really enjoyed my time here at Bicknor Wood and the whole development is in great shape.”

When construction is complete at Bicknor Wood, Darrell will become the site manager at Bellway’s Parsonage Place development, also in Otham. The site will be a collection of one to four-bedroom homes and is set to launch in early 2022.

Mike Smith, Construction Director for Bellway Kent, said: “Darrell has highlighted how being dedicated, personable and industrious is the perfect recipe for success at a site like Bicknor Wood. Every site manager wants to achieve a Seal of Excellence award and Darrell has gone above and beyond to ensure that him and his team have been recognised for the work they have done.

“Over the last 12 months, where everyone has faced unprecedented challenges, Darrell and the team at Bicknor Wood have remained committed to ensuring that the high standards that have been set at Bellway have been continuously met.

“Everyone at Bellway Kent congratulates Darrell on this achievement, and we wish him all the best as he strives to achieve further success next year.”

A total of 250 homes will be delivered at Bicknor Wood, with 175 properties for private sale and 75 affordable homes for local people.

The final home on sale at the development, a four-bedroom detached Rowan house type, is available to purchase for £524,995.

Prices are yet to be confirmed at Parsonage Place but interested purchases can register their interest with the Bicknor Wood sales team.

For further information on Bicknor Wood and Parsonage Place, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/kent/bicknor-wood or https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/kent/parsonage-place.